Champagne AR Lenoble Grand Cru Vintage `Blanc de Blancs` 2012

£87.95 per bottle

ABV 12.0%

Tasting Notes
Produced entirely from their Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyard in the village of Chouilly, in the Côte des Blancs. Only made in exceptional years, this Champagne has loads of aroma, a touch of ripe honey and brioche in the fruity flavour. Beautifully structured with an elegant and long finish.

Food
This full champagne with rich, mature aromas should be tasted as an aperitif or with fish cooked in creamy sauces

Media
94 points awarded by Robert Parker in September 2018. James Suckling awarded 94 points in July 2022.

Region
The vineyards of Champagne are planted in three distinct areas south of the city of Reims. The `Montagne de Reims` is predominately planted with Pinot Noir, the backbone to the Champagne blend, whilst Chardonnay is ideally suited to the chalky slopes of the `Cote des Blancs` south of the town of Epernay. Pinot Meunier dominates the `Vallee de la Marne`, an area susceptible to frosts, which it is more able to withstand, due to later budding. The secret of Champagne is in the blend, where wines from different grape varieties and vineyards are blended to achieve the `house style`.

Producer
Armand-Raphael called the house Lenoble because “Champagne is the noblest of all wines, Champagne Lenoble, the noble Champagne.” AR Lenoble celebrated their centenary in 2020 and this House has earned the respect of many in the wine world under the continued stewardship of sister-and-brother team Anne and Antoine Malassagne, the great-grandchildren of founder Armand-Raphaël Graser. Focussing on sustainability, the vineyards of AR Lenoble have been certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale), one of the first Champagne Houses to be do. Beehives were introduced into the vineyards of the domaine nearly a decade ago, a testament to their commitment to biodiversity. AR Lenoble owns 18 hectares in three prime locations in Champagne. Chouilly, Bisseuil and Damery. 100% of the Chardonnay used to craft their wines comes from the Grand Cru village of Chouilly while 100% of the Pinot Noir comes from the Premier Cru village of Bisseuil. Pinot Meunier comes from the village of Damery.